Ex-pupil on course to break rowing record across Atlantic Ocean

9:22am Tuesday 29th August 2006

FORMER Headlands pupil Ben Fouracre could break a British record in his rowing race across the Atlantic.

The Royal Engineer, pictured, and his three Team Hesco colleagues are on course to become the first British team to row unassisted across the Atlantic from the British mainland to the American mainland.

Team Hesco have been beaten to the finish line by another British crew, Yorkshire Warrior.

But their opponents crossed the finish line at the Scilly Isles and then accepted a tow to Falmouth.

Team Hesco campaign manager Adrian Bell said: "We're trying to get a message out to the guys to let them know they have a chance of breaking the record."

Team Hesco are currently less than 160 miles from Falmouth and should arrive back on British soil in the next few days.

Ben's wife Sarah and children Georgina and Morgan have travelled to Falmouth to welcome him ashore after the gruelling 2,9000 mile challenge.

Ben left Headlands when he was 16 and joined the Army immediately.

His parents, Anita and David, have separated but still live in Swindon.

He has a brother Dean and a sister Marie.

So far the rowing team has raised £142,000 for the Meningitus Trust.

To sponsor the team go to www.justgiving.com/oceanrowing or www.teamhesco.com